LONDON — Thirty-five years have passed since musician Ziggy Marley started following in the footsteps of his father, Bob.

The eclectic style of his new album, Fly Rasta, shows that, at age 45, Marley is keen to forge his own path.

“I wanted to create what I call ‘epic reggae,’ with a little futuristic tinge to it,” Marley said. “I wanted to do it with a standard of quality that is not compromised in any way.”

He had more to say about his album and family.

Q: Are there disadvantages to being a Marley?

A: Everything comes with a positive and a negative. If people don’t like you or didn’t like you, it’s worse that your name is Marley (laughing). . . . But most of all, really, it’s love. That’s the greatest advantage that being a so-called Marley gives us, based upon what my father has done, my mother has done. People give a lot of love.

A: Children’s minds are open. For the next generation, there must be something that changes, that makes the world a better place. So . . . you have to speak to children.

Q: You support the legalization of marijuana in California, where you live. Why?

A: I just support the plant in all its aspects. (The) marijuana side is one thing — smoking, medical, recreational. Then there’s the hemp side of it — . . . industrial, bio-fuel and nutrition. It’s an environmentally friendly way to make products.

Q: Your father would have marked his 70th birthday next year. Do you have plans to celebrate it?

A: For the 70th, we might do something musical for the people. But personally? I just give thanks every day.